MORE than 200 female workers are preparing to wipe the floor with Bury council bosses over equal pay.

And union officials expect that another 1,200 could also launch battles for back pay entitlements, costing the council millions of pounds.

Most of the claimants are female cleaners, although there are also dinner ladies and kitchen assistants, and also some men.

Unison branch secretary Steve Morton said: "Our goal is to develop pay and grading structures that are fair to all workers and at the same time protect the vital services that the people of Bury rely on.

"These are tough and difficult negotiations but Unison has always made it clear that where employers will not negotiate to end unequal pay we will take legal action on behalf of our members.

"Other councils in Greater Manchester have approached this situation differently. Bury MBC is refusing to look at any alternative and leaves us with no option but to litigate.

"We have had countless meetings with Bury's chief executive Mark Sanders and every time he goes on about the new pay and grading review system which they will be implementing.

"He appears unable, or unwilling, to understand that while we welcome improvements, what we also want is compensation for the past.

"Historically, underpayment has been rife across the borough, mainly amongst women - some claims could go back for 30 years, but under Government legislation we can only claw back the last six years.

"Many councils have made settlements, often pressuring staff to make quick deals, accepting less than half of what they are entitled to.

"Bury have simply made no effort to address the issue and that is why we are taking them to industrial tribunal."

Bury's chief executive Mark Sanders said: "The pay and grading review was due to be completed by April 1, 2007.

"But the amount of work means there will be some delay, with initial results expected on July 1, 2007 and, subject to appeals, the full scheme will be available by September 1, 2007.

"Unison is well aware of this and, we understood, appreciative of the reasons behind it. There is no question that Bury Council will not implement the new scheme in a fair and equitable manner."

Union bosses are currently assessing individual entitlements. Councils across the country are compensating staff in female-dominated posts who that were denied bonuses paid to male workers.

Nine of the 10 Greater Manchester councils have offered compensation to workers which is expected to total more than £100m.

Back payments cost Bolton council around £8m, with the figure far higher in Manchester, after the majority of workers accepted offers.